Androgenetic alopecia, known as male and female pattern hair loss, is the most common genetic reason for hair loss and/or baldness, affecting an estimated 50 million men and 30 million women in the United States.
“In women, referred to as female pattern hair loss (FPHL), it begins in midlife between ages 40 and 60, but can occur earlier for some women,” says Pamela Allen, M.D., an OU Health dermatologist in Oklahoma City. “For men, male pattern hair loss (MPHL), usually appears by age 50, but can begin much earlier, starting in late teens or early twenties.”
She says signs of hair loss may begin with a noticeable increase in hair shedding; a widening of one’s middle hair part; hair thinning on the crown of the scalp with an inability to cover with hair; a receding temporal hairline; and being able to notice one’s scalp skin through their hair strands. Also of note, she says androgenetic alopecia does not affect the sides and posterior scalp hair regions.
You may have heard that hair loss traits are inherited from the ‘mother’s side’ of the family, but this is a myth.
“Androgenetic alopecia is hereditary,” says Allen. “The genes can come from your mother, father, or both. It is also recognized that hormones may play a role in FPHL, as it is commonly seen after menopause.”
While hair loss is common, most everyone wants to keep their hair as long as they can –and there’s no shortage of products and treatments claiming to either prevent hair loss or support hair regrowth. According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, nearly 150,000 individuals within the United States and Canada received a surgical hair restoration procedure in 2022.
“Supplements, such as biotin and folic acid, have been touted to help grow and thicken hair, but scientific findings are mixed,” says Allen. “Most studies showed these supplements had no effect on hair growth or thickness. However, one study showed that omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants taken in combination for six months produced thicker hair and less hair loss in 120 healthy women. As always, it is recommended to discuss these supplements with your doctor before taking them, as some may interact with medications.”
She says hair loss shampoos can increase moisture, making hair look fuller and thicker while lessening breakage, but they don’t regrow hair or prevent hair loss from worsening.
“Minoxidil, which can be found over-the-counter as a topical solution or foam applied to the scalp, is the most-recommended treatment for both FPHL and MPHL,” says Allen. “It increases blood flow to the scalp, and Minoxidil can be prescribed in its oral form for hair growth.”
She also says there are several oral medications that work to reduce the hormonal influence of androgenetic alopecia.
“Hair loss must be stabilized on these oral medications before a hair transplant is considered as an option,” says Allen. “Home laser devices and platelet-rich plasma injections may help stimulate hair growth. Stem cell use is still in its experimental stage.”
If you begin noticing any type of hair loss, Allen recommends seeing a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis.
“Discuss these treatment options with your dermatologist to individualize your care,” she says. “There is no cure for androgenetic alopecia – and once stabilized on a regimen, it is considered lifelong treatment.”
